The Effects Of Inspired Pollutants On Respiratory And Cardiovascular Function In Healthy Young Adults

Inspired pollutants have been associated with an increased risk of developing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. While epidemiological studies have attempted to elucidate potential correlations, few have been able to determine true impacts of the pollutants much less elucidate a mechanism of action. The purpose of this thesis is to disseminate the knowledge of previously collected data pertaining to inspired pollutants including: the effects of formaldehyde (FA) on pulmonary function, the effects of FA on vascular function, and the effect of electronic cigarettes on metabolic and ventilatory measurements during exercise. As an added measure to the FA manuscripts, biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation were assess immediately prior to and following an acute exposure to FA which has potential to reveal a mechanism. While FA influence the vasculature, pulmonary function remained unchanged as a percent difference from pre-FA exposure. Additionally, no physiological differences were observed in males comparing a placebo incremental exercise test to an experimental electronic cigarette incremental exercise test. In essence, inspired pollutants may damage otherwise young and healthy individuals; however, their body is capable to compensate for the onslaught of inspiratory damage.